Pubdate: Tue, 3 Mar 2009
Source: Daily Titan (Cal State Fullerton, CA Edu)
Copyright: 2009 The Daily Titan
Contact:  http://www.dailytitan.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4762
Author: Michael Arellano, For the Daily Titan
Referenced: AB390 http://drugsense.org/url/gwVcxxaW
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Marijuana - California)

PACK A BOWL TO EASE CALIFORNIA'S ECONOMIC WOES

S.F. Assemblyman Proposes Measure To Legalize Marijuana

"Toke out to bail out" is the California congress' new economic 
stimulus plan. It is a measure to legalize, regulate and tax 
marijuana waits, and is waiting to be approved. San Francisco's 
Assemblyman Tom Ammiano proposed measure AB 390 last Monday to 
legalize and tax marijuana.

This proposal will make marijuana, like alcohol, regulated to prevent 
the purchase of it by anyone under 21, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The Los Angeles Times states that Ammiano's main argument for the 
legislation is that it would bring about a billion dollars a year in 
tax revenue, helping the state close its unprecedented budget deficit.

But will this bill ever become a reality for Californians?

Honestly, I don't think it will pass," Dixie Koo, a political science 
professor at Cal State Fullerton, specializing in drug legislation, 
said. "California isn't progressive enough to take this big of a step."

Marijuana is a Schedule I drug, according to Koo. Schedule I is a 
category created by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Schedule I drugs 
hold the greatest potential for abuse and inability for medical 
use.  In this system, marijuana is on the same level as heroin, Koo said.

Because the DEA and federal government have this view of marijuana, 
it is unlikely it will be legalized at the state level, even with the 
economic pressure being as heavy as it is, Koo said.

Politically the measure hits many barriers.

Lieutenant Don Launders of the CSUF Police Department said it is up 
to the people and the people's representatives.

He admits it would create more responsibilities for police departments.

Just like any other controlled substance, there will be some that 
abuse it," Launders said.

The police are involved when people abuse other legal substances, 
such as overdoses and driving under the influence.

The measure itself seemed to come out of nowhere. "A stab in the 
dark," Koo said. "It is a bold move and a creative way to raise funds."

Taxing the people, especially with unemployment rates where they are, 
cannot be the solution to close the budget deficit, Koo said.

Koo said that while this measure may not go further than the house, 
it shows that political minds are looking for new ways to raise 
revenue for the state, and are thinking outside the box to generate funds.

Even though this legislation promises so much, Koo said the majority 
of people are not ready for legislation of this degree. However, the 
younger generation seems more than willing.

I've never even done it (marijuana) before," Jeanette Cho, a 
22-year-old kinesiology major, said.  "But I think it should (be 
legalized) because so many people are being convicted of drug 
possession, and it could reduce tax payers' dollars." 
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